On the class wiki site, post your favorite new Web 2.0 tool that has not been covered in detail in this class that you have discovered in this course or elsewhere. List the URL, what the tool is, and why you find it useful using the wiki template page. No duplication allowed-each page must be an original new tool. This can be done after reviewing the Unit 9 material, which covers more Web 2.0 resources.
Twiducate is very similar to Twitter however, it's main function is to service schools. The website is a free online resource used by teachers and students that resembles a blogging type format where teachers or students can post resources, share articles or websites, and collaborate in discussions pertaining to topics taught in class. As the teacher, you can create an account and add as many students or teachers to your network by finding them through the website or creating a class code. By having a class code, this allows for the privacy of the social networking site. The teacher has the option to keep the class Twiducate site specific to a particular section, or can open it up to many classes and teachers within the district or around the country. The website is free from ads however, on the bottom right hand of the screen, once you are logged into the Twiducate site, there is an ad asking for donations to help keep the website up and running. The website itself very straightforward and user friendly with visuals that are clear and clean. This website would be can be used for parent involvement or for teaching purposes which makes it useful for all grade levels.
Educational Uses of Site
Twiducate can be used for many aspects of the classroom, from parent communication, the collaboration between teachers, or a combination of teacher student interaction. As a parent -teacher tool, the teacher could use Twiducate to post upcoming events, homework assignments, or announcements that pertain to classroom involvement. Because the website is in the form of a blog, this allows for parents to communicate and collaborate about any topic the teacher may post. As a teacher-teacher tool, the teacher can create a Twiducate account and add fellow colleagues or other teachers from around the area and use the website as a means of professional development. Topics and videos or articles can be posted and teachers can share their ideas on how to better improve their teaching. It is a great way for teachers to share ideas and to work together. As a teacher-student tool, the teacher has the ability to post discussions, homework assignments, or links to additional resources that can be directly related to what is being taught in the classroom. Here the teacher can facilitate any discussions among students and encourage student collaboration and participation. This is also a great way for students and teacher to stay in touch without having to email or wait until the school day to discuss anything pertaining to classroom content. As the teacher, one has the ability to create an entire online version of class for any student who may be struggling and may need some extra practice by embedding videos onto the website or simply posting practice work for the student to complete.
Review of Site
Overall, I feel that Twiducate is a great collaboration tool for students, teachers, and parents. The website opens up the line of communication for all people involved and sets the stage for a well rounded classroom setting. With the ability for the teacher to make the class Twiducate site public or private, this really allows for a personalized online classroom setting. Teachers can be in touch and collaborate on new ideas, students are working on a tool that they are familiar with, and in turn are collaborating and actively engaging in their learning through online discussions and homework assignments, and parents have the ability to be involved and have a voice when it comes to being a part of their child's education. Because Twiducate is free, and very user friendly, I think it is a simple Web 2.0 tool that could easily be integrated into any classroom setting.
Unit 6.2A Assignment
On the class wiki site, post your favorite new Web 2.0 tool that has not been covered in detail in this class that you have discovered in this course or elsewhere. List the URL, what the tool is, and why you find it useful using the wiki template page. No duplication allowed-each page must be an original new tool. This can be done after reviewing the Unit 9 material, which covers more Web 2.0 resources.
Student Name:
Crystal SterenchockTitle of Site:
TwiducateURL:
http://www.twiducate.com/Description of Site:
Twiducate is very similar to Twitter however, it's main function is to service schools. The website is a free online resource used by teachers and students that resembles a blogging type format where teachers or students can post resources, share articles or websites, and collaborate in discussions pertaining to topics taught in class. As the teacher, you can create an account and add as many students or teachers to your network by finding them through the website or creating a class code. By having a class code, this allows for the privacy of the social networking site. The teacher has the option to keep the class Twiducate site specific to a particular section, or can open it up to many classes and teachers within the district or around the country.The website is free from ads however, on the bottom right hand of the screen, once you are logged into the Twiducate site, there is an ad asking for donations to help keep the website up and running. The website itself very straightforward and user friendly with visuals that are clear and clean. This website would be can be used for parent involvement or for teaching purposes which makes it useful for all grade levels.
Educational Uses of Site
Twiducate can be used for many aspects of the classroom, from parent communication, the collaboration between teachers, or a combination of teacher student interaction.As a parent -teacher tool, the teacher could use Twiducate to post upcoming events, homework assignments, or announcements that pertain to classroom involvement. Because the website is in the form of a blog, this allows for parents to communicate and collaborate about any topic the teacher may post.
As a teacher-teacher tool, the teacher can create a Twiducate account and add fellow colleagues or other teachers from around the area and use the website as a means of professional development. Topics and videos or articles can be posted and teachers can share their ideas on how to better improve their teaching. It is a great way for teachers to share ideas and to work together.
As a teacher-student tool, the teacher has the ability to post discussions, homework assignments, or links to additional resources that can be directly related to what is being taught in the classroom. Here the teacher can facilitate any discussions among students and encourage student collaboration and participation. This is also a great way for students and teacher to stay in touch without having to email or wait until the school day to discuss anything pertaining to classroom content. As the teacher, one has the ability to create an entire online version of class for any student who may be struggling and may need some extra practice by embedding videos onto the website or simply posting practice work for the student to complete.
Review of Site
Overall, I feel that Twiducate is a great collaboration tool for students, teachers, and parents. The website opens up the line of communication for all people involved and sets the stage for a well rounded classroom setting. With the ability for the teacher to make the class Twiducate site public or private, this really allows for a personalized online classroom setting. Teachers can be in touch and collaborate on new ideas, students are working on a tool that they are familiar with, and in turn are collaborating and actively engaging in their learning through online discussions and homework assignments, and parents have the ability to be involved and have a voice when it comes to being a part of their child's education. Because Twiducate is free, and very user friendly, I think it is a simple Web 2.0 tool that could easily be integrated into any classroom setting.